Associate Manager, Corporate Communications

Who is Taco Bell?

Taco Bell was born and raised in California and has been around since 1962. We went from selling everyone’s favorite Crunchy Tacos on the West Coast to a global brand with 8,200+ restaurants, 350 franchise organizations, that serve 42+ million fans each week around the globe. We’re not only the largest Mexican-inspired quick service brand (QSR) in the world, we’re also part of the biggest restaurant group in the world: Yum! Brands.

Much of our fan love and authentic connection with our communities are rooted in being rebels with a cause. From ensuring we use high quality, sustainable ingredients to elevating restaurant technology in ways that hasn’t been done before… we will continue to be inclusive, bold, challenge the status quo and push industry boundaries.

We’re a company that celebrates and advocates for different, has bold self-expression, strives for a better future, and brings the fun while we’re at it. We fuel our culture with real people who bring unique experiences. We inspire and enable our teams and the world to Live Más.

At Taco Bell, we’re Cultural Rebels. Want to join in on the passion-fueled fun? Learn more about the career below.

About the Job:

Taco Bell is looking for a public relations communication professional excited to join one of the most dynamic and talented brand engagement teams around.

The Associate Manager of Corporate Communications will join a talented team responsible for brand reputation, crisis and risk management, and executive positioning. This person will be primarily tasked with driving proactive public relations programs for Taco Bell and brand initiatives; including leading crisis communications and partnering collaboratively on media relations and public affairs with our PR agency, Internal cross-functional teams, Yum! Brands, and restaurant franchisees.

We’re looking for a highly motivated individual with demonstrated strength in public relations, media relations, public affairs, and crisis response. This position is ideal for holistic thinkers with high accountability, passion for brand engagement, attention to detail, creative spirit, great communication style, a partnership mentality, and love for Taco Bell. The Associate Manager of Corporate Communications will report to the Manager of Corporate Communications & Field Engagement.

The Day-to-Day:

• Engage the public around our brand pillars by ideating with PR partners and internal stakeholders for timely media moments, evergreen stories, or pitch opportunities as they arise by:
  • Overseeing the North American development pillar by communicating the brand growth narrative, as well as promoting key restaurant openings and development milestones
  • Overseeing the people and planet sustainability pillars by communicating and elevating Taco Bell's corporate citizen reputation, team member initiates and environmental work
  • Overseeing the foundation pillar by supporting Taco Bell Foundation communications for community grants, scholarships, fundraising, and platforms for young changemakers
• Lead North America crisis communication to protect Taco Bell’s reputation by:
  • Monitoring news cycles, and media inquiries to identify and mitigate brand threats
  • Managing strategies for damage containment in crises
  • Managing PR media inbox and field reactive media requests through Taco Bell’s media line and fulfill requests for interviews, fact-checking, and assets
  • Proactive and in depth understanding of media landscape, socio-economic environment and how both impact the brand reputation at large
• Lead cross-functional and agency partners in planning and executing media outreach and events
• Supporting executive positioning for global executives with external media and brief executives for interview opportunities by drafting interview messaging, talking points, scripts, and press materials including statements, fact sheets, and press releases
• Identify new and unique opportunities to promote brand engagement and content development for our biggest fans including, but not limited to: executive speaking opportunities, volunteering opportunities, civic engagements, government affairs, enterprise award nominations, TB Benefits/wellness external awareness

Is This You?

• Bachelor’s and at least 5 years of experience, Master’s and at least 3 years of experience, or Doctorate and no years of experience.
• 5+ years of PR agency or in-house experience
• Experience developing communications plans and materials for consumer brands/clients, specifically brand reputation
• Proven track record in media relations and crisis response communications
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Broad knowledge of news, trends, and pop culture; understanding of QSR landscape is a plus
• Candidate must also be responsible, accurate, creative, organized, able to work under deadline pressure, self-motivated and flexible
• QSR and/or customer service industry experience a plus
• Relentlessly curious and eager to bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to the table
• Enjoys working in a fast paced, constantly iterating environment.
• Passionate about the brand and food

Work-Hard, Play-Hard:

• Hybrid work schedule and year-round flex day Friday
• Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons
• Onsite dining center and game room (yes, there is a Taco Bell inside the building)
• Onsite dry cleaning, laundry services, carwash,
• Onsite gym with fitness classes and personal trainer sessions
• Up to 4 weeks of vacation per year plus holidays and time off for volunteering
• Generous parental leave for all new parents and adoption assistance program
• 401(k) with a 6% matching contribution from Yum! Brands with immediate vesting
• Comprehensive medical & dental including prescription drug benefits and 100% preventive care
• Discounts, free food, swag and… honestly, too many good benefits to name

Salary Range: $103,500 to $121,700 annually + bonus eligibility + benefits

The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors.

At Taco Bell, we Live Más and invite you to do the same. Take a seat at our table. Bring your voice. Bring you, just as you are, a Cultural Rebel. We want you to be your best self!

Taco Bell is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all dimensions of diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Taco Bell is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities or special needs.

Employment eligibility to work with Taco Bell in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for this position.

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